The whole Amateur licensing process is a joke. Any moron with $35 can be an Extra Classw. Takes no education or age requirements. You download the test questions, and you are a ham radio operator. My 13-year-old nephew downloaded the test questions, a week later was an Extra class sammy. Does no t know anything about the hobby and even less about electronics and electricity. In the professional industry, there is no respect for hams.
We have a few hams like me in the company, but we know sammy hammy ways are antiquated and 50 years behind in knowledge and technology. Most ham practices do not comply with any known electrical codes or practices. Elmers practices are dangerous and a threat to public safety. Most of you still tell clueless newbies to bring the coax directly to the shack and stick a rod in the dirt thinking it does something good. If you only knew how dangerous and stupid that practice is. Great for the idiots who sell you magic ferrite beads and doughnuts trying to fix all the RFI/EMI problems it causes, does nothing to remove you from the ground loop you placed yourself in begging for lightning and high voltage utility to teach your ignorant souls.
Think of it this way. would you want your pilot or doctor licensing and practices to match sammy hammy? No educational requirements, no proof of demonstrated skill, just a cheat sheet with all the test question answers and $35.
OK boomer elmer, chew on that rag.
EXACTLY THE POINT! Read the theory, study the code. I was elmered by W8YBO (sk), back in 60's. Novice was a two year deal, upgrade or lose your ticket.
While ive only been licenced for just over a year im no stranger to electricity.
Ive been an electrician over 40 years master for more than 20.
There are differences in electrical and rf grounding confuses a lot of people.
Ist and foremost follow the code, its there for a reason.
Lightning arresters are cheap, following code and rules is cheap,
A funeral however is not cheap
Niether is replacing structures and equipment insurance won't cover for non compliance.
I have both paper and digital copies of arrl handbooks and fcc regs, as well as a lot of of documentation.
But thats me!
I dont know what others do though.